Covered Bridge in Dillwyn, Virginia, 20th Century

This vintage photograph documents a covered bridge in Buckingham County, Virginia, specifically near Dillwyn, capturing a significant architectural style from the early 20th century. The image showcases the craftsmanship and design elements typical of covered bridges, which were essential for crossing streams and rivers in rural America. These structures not only provided practical transportation solutions but also added to the aesthetic landscape of the region.

Frances Benjamin Johnston, a prominent American photographer, created this image as part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South. This initiative aimed to document the rich architectural heritage of the Southern United States. The photograph is recognized for its historical value and provides insight into the engineering techniques and materials used during that period.

Acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953, this image is held in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress. It remains a valuable resource for understanding the architectural history of Virginia and the significance of covered bridges in American rural life.